• Duration18 Days
  • Diffculty-LevelModerate
  • Max. Altitude3,611 m
  • Best SeasonSpring, Autumn & Fall Season

Overview

The Shey-Phoksundo lake is the deepest lake of Nepal at an altitude of 3611.5m above sea level. It lies in the Shey-Phoksundo national park of Dolpa district, the largest district of Nepal. This national park is the only trans-Himalayan national park. This lake is a prominent part of this park while the lake is Y-shaped with alpine freshwater.    The trek commenced after you landed at the Juphal airport. THERE is a choice if you want to walk or go via jeep which takes 6hrs and 3hrs respectively to reach Suligad. Suligad is the entrance point of Shey-Phoksundo national park also known as the home of endangered flora and fauna. The trial is pretty decent inside the national park. Phoksundo river flowed right by our side and the forest was equally beautiful. The colors were so vibrant in the fall season. This trekking trail ascends and descends through a densely forested path filled with a view of several waterfalls, all types of walnuts, an abundance of wildlife, a terraced field, and many more things on the way. the journey goes while enjoying those natural delicacies. On the next day, we enter a different type of landscape. Most of the trials before were kind of dry with very few trees. Now, there’s greenery all around. You can have organic food such as cow milk, Tite prepares roti (bitter millets bread).

The trials are not so tough. NOT many uphill and downhills, almost a plane path following the shores of the river, wonderful views. After a couple of hours going through the climb, we reached the Jharana waterfall viewpoint. The water from the lake formed this waterfall. It was a magnificent waterfall. This waterfall has 3 steps with 170m in height. The waterfall had a great view too, that waterfall flows on the river. By local, this waterfall is the second most beautiful waterfall in Nepal. After seeing the waterfall, one forgets all the tiredness of the uphill hike. This biome is also rich in cultural diversity. The people of this district practiced pre-Buddhist Bon-religion and are also known as the land of rare bon monasteries.

The uphill hike towards the oligotrophic lake is shortened after an hour’s hike. Ringmo village is the entrance point of the lake. This is a traditional village from 30000 to 40000 yrs.’ This lake has a mesmerizing view which is bound to make you feel calm and peaceful as you relish the beauty of the lake along with the view of Kanjirowa Himal(6612m) accompanied by a visit to the various monasteries surrounding the lake. There are more than 20stupas in the southern belt, where one gompa is the eastern side on the shores of the lake, where annual prayers and worship are carried out. The best scenario is definitely from the top of the viewpoint of the lake. A small stream has started to flow from the glacier up here on way to the viewpoint. The way to Phoksundo viewpoint is a steep climb. Shey-Phoksundo lake has mainly three faces: these can be seen from the viewpoint of 3890m. Ringmo village and its surroundings all looked fantastic from here.

The colors of the lake are bluish-grey as it changes from deep green, gleaming silver as the climate and at the moment of sunrise and set. Winter, spring and fall seasons are the best time to trek the lake. without a doubt, we suffered at times but the views, the natural beauty, the culture, the people, the sweet encounter, makes us forget all those hard times. The whole journey just leads you to travel to the piece of heaven. It's worth it.

More Highlights of Lower Dolpa Trekking: 

  •  Shey Phoksundo Lake 
  • Experience the rich lifestyle and culture of lower Lower Dolpo.
  • Splendid views of Kanjirowa, Dhaulagiri, and Tibetan Peaks
  • Explore Tibetan Buddhist and Bon Po culture
  • Discover different uncover elevated animal
  • Pristine Lake Phoskundo

 

Itinerary & Map

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  • Accommodation:Apsara Boutique Hotel
  • Meals:Welcome Dinner
  • Altitude:1,350 m

We will welcome pick up you at the Tribhuvan International Airport on your arrival day. Our mystic adventure holidays airport representative will take you to the hotel and assist you in check-in. As your arrival time may fluctuate, we have not planned anything on this day. The remaining day is free to explore around the streets of Thamel and get used to the surroundings. In the evening, we will have a welcome dinner where you can meet with the rest of the team members.

  • Accommodation:Apsara Boutique Hotel
  • Meals:Breakfast only
  • Altitude:1,350 m

Today's sightseeing tour in Kathmandu will give you a good insight into Nepali art and architecture. You will visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhnath Stupa, Kathmandu Durbar Square, and Swayambhunath. All of these monuments hold great importance in the history of Nepal. Later in the evening, you will meet with the trek guide and have a quick briefing session about the trek.

  • Accommodation:Hotel
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Fruits

After a morning breakfast in hotel, we will go to the domestic terminal to take an hour flight to Nepalgunj, located in Western Nepal. After we take off from the Tribhuvan International Airport, we can enjoy the aerial view of the ancient Kathmandu valley accompanied by various never-ending Himalayan-chains. Nepalgunj is the wonderful town located in Western Nepal, near Nepal-India Border. This town is the gateway to Simkot, Humla. The cultural richness of this interesting Terai town is beyond comparable. The town itself is the showcase of the diverse culture of Nepal. Once we reach this wonderful Terai Town, we will explore this amazing town.

  • Accommodation:Tented Camp
  • Altitude:2850 M

: Fly from Nepalgunj to Juphal and trek from Juphal to Dunai:
After we have our breakfast in the local hotel, we will once again take a morning flight to Jhupal. Jhupal is the amazing town located in the foothills of the Himalayas. From this town, we will also be able to observe the glorious peaks of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri massif. Once we land on the airport of Jhupal, we will join the rest of the trekking staff and then begin our trek. On the first part of our trek, we will walk through terraced field accompanied by Bheri river and narrow gorge. Continuing our walk for about 2-3 hours, we eventually rich to Dunai- Administrative headquarter of the Dolpo region. After setting up the camp for the overnight stay, we will take a afternoon walk around the small town of Dunai. 

  • Accommodation:Tented Camp
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Fruits
  • Altitude:2543 M

From today onwards the real adventure begins. After an early breakfast, we will leave the Dunai and follow the upstream trail along the southern bank of the Bheri river and Barbung river gorge. The hike today is pleasant as we will be walking along the levelled path accompanied by the beautiful landscape. Along the way, we will also pass through several deep gorges, hanging bridges and isolated villages. After a couple of hours of hiking, we will take a uphill trail which goes through the pine woods to the open terraced field of Tarakot. It is the small village nested above the Thuli Bheri river, which was once the capital of ancient independent Kingdom Tichorung. This beautiful village is inhabited by the Magar tribe. Most of the people living in this village practise Tibetan Buddhism as their religion. Once we reach Tarakot, we setup the camp in the open space for the overnight stay.   

  • Accommodation:Tented Camp
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Altitude:3160 M

Today we will be hiking alongside Tarap Chu river. This part of trek brings us closer to Putha Huinchuli and Churen Himal. Continuing our trek after breakfast, we hike following the Tarap Chu river. After some time of walking we have to cross some suspension bridge over Tarap Chu river before we arrive at Laisicap 2775 meter. Beyond here, we chase up the easy steps for a while, which eventually bring us to Kanigaon at 2950 meter. This village is the winter residence of the people of Dho-Tarap. From the ride of the village, you can see the wonderful view of Sandul Gompa across the valley. Hiking out of the village, we final push on the steep uphill trail that take us through farm terraces and rural villages and eventually arrive at the beautiful camping site of Laini Odar. Nearby our camping site, there is a beautiful waterfall. 

  • Accommodation:Tented Camp
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Fruits
  • Altitude:3545 M

The most adventurous part of the trek awaits us today. Leaving the Laini Odar after breakfast, we walk on a steep trail for a while and then we traverse through the trail which goes through deep gorges and scary cliffs. The path along here is narrow and sometimes you can jump from one side to another. In some place the path disappears, so, we have to make our own effort to build the way out. However, the trail becomes relatively open once you pass the gorge. After a continuous ascends and descends, we hike on easy trail paved with flat stones until we arrive at Chhyugar. Walking little furthermore from this village, we will reach the camping site of Toltol for the overnight stay.  

  • Accommodation:Tented Camp
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Fruits

The morning walk today begins with the gradual uphill climb leading us to Kamattarka. It is the small beautiful settlement lying at the confluence of the Tarap Chu and Lang Khola. We then hike on the northwest bank of Tarap Khola to Ghyamghar, a small settlement with monastery. After a couple of hours of morning hike, we leave the narrow gorge and pass through the tree line of Juniper bush and wild roses finally arriving at Langa. After a short break at this village, we continue our hike with a uphill ascend to a small arid hill. On the foothills of this small hill lies the fascinating settlement of Dho Tarap surrounded by the irregular stone wall. 

  • Accommodation:Tented Camp
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Fruits

 Today is the day off after a week of exhausting hike. You can utilize this time to explore the Dho Tarap village and make friends with the locals who have hardly seen westerns for ages. We will hike around the village so the we will be ready to get going on a higher altitude hike on next day.
Dho Tarap is the magnificent highland settlement in the inner Dolpo region which is dotted with monasteries. At day time, we set off to explore Ribo Bumpa Monastery. This monastery is one of the most sacred monastery in Dolpo. As per the mythology, this monastery was built almost 1,000 years ago by Jigme Nyima Gyaltzen and Lama Tenzing Tragye to get rid of the evil spirit wondering in this region. During our short walk we will also get chance to be acquainted with the local culture of the region. People living here wear home spun clothing that is sometime dyed a maroon colour and they favour Tibetan style somba or dhocha (boots with upturned toes) for foot wear. Both men and women often wear religious amulets and strings of coral, amber and turquoise. The people of the region are both Bon Po and Nyingmapa (Buddhist sects).

Tented Camp

  • Accommodation:Tented Camp
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Fruits
  • Altitude:4440 M

After the rest and exploration day at Dho Tarap village, we begin our todays trek to the Numa La Base Camp. After having breakfast in the camp, we continue our hike, enjoying the view of the lush grassland on the both side of the river. Though the walk today is not long, however the increase in altitude decreases the pace of our hiking. We slowly take a uphill trail dotted with rocks and steep landscape which reaches Tokyou at 4209 meter. Tokyou is the small but beautiful settlement with graceful kani gait and old-fashioned houses. Getting out of the village, we cross the suspension bridge over Kanger Khola and ascend uphill along the wild and barren rugged trail to the base camp of Numa La at 4350 meter.

  • Accommodation:Tented Camp
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Fruits
  • Altitude:5190 m

The hike today is going to be tough and will test your endurance. The path to cross the Numa La pass is difficult, which will be the electrifying and maddening experience for you. After morning breakfast, we walk on uphill trail all the way to the top ridge of Numa La. Once your reach the top ridge of the Numa La pass, you can have the mesmerizing view of the surrounding landscape. The scenery of the valleys and mountains including the Dhaulagiri massif and other distinct snow-capped peaks is so spiritually invigorating. You will also be enchanted with the dramatic views of Shering Gompa which is the house for the monks in the region. After some time of enjoying the splendid view from the top ridge of the camp, we slide down following Gyambo Khola to camp at Danighar for overnight stay. 

  • Accommodation:Tented Camp
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Fruits
  • Altitude:5070 M

It is another technical day of Upper Dolpo Trek. The trek today goes across the Baga La Pass at 5170-meter. Right after the breakfast, we commence on our hike with a vertical uphill climb along the shabby yak trail up to the top of Baga La. Reaching the top of the Baga La, we will have the magnificent views of the surrounding landscape and snowcapped peaks of Kanjirowa Mountain ranges. The view of the peak ridgeline from the top of this pass is considered on of the most beautiful view of the entire Phoskundo Nature Experience. After spending a wonderful moment here, we descend down the pass into deep ravine at first and then cross the frozen stream to open space. The final push down thorugh the beautiful meadow; we finally arrive at our campsite of Temche.

  • Accommodation:Tented Camp
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Fruits

Day 13: Trek from Temche to Ringmo:
The trek today is much easier as compared to the past two days of trekking. We start our morning hike with a downhill walk to Yak Kharka. Along the trekking trail to the Phoskundo, you will have numerous opportunity to observe the astonishing scenery of the mountain panorama and the mother nature’s beauty. Observing such beauty of the nature will make you foget all the trouble you have gone through, during all the hike. We will take a break for a while to capture the mother nature beauty into the lenses of camera and a memory to cherish for the life time. Throughout your trek today, we will be accompanied by the magnificent views of the towering cliff as well. After a continuous hike for about 3 hours of traversing through lush vegetation of pine, junipers and cypress, we eventually arrive at Ringmo. This small village is a famous Bon settlement in the region. Strolling further downhill for 30 minutes bring us to the mesmerizingly beautiful lake, Phoskundo. 

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Fruits

Tented Camp

4 - 5 Hours

  • Accommodation:Tented Camp
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Fruits

Today is the day off to explore around the Phoskundo Lake and the Ringmo village. Onece we have our breakfast, we will take a hike to explore around the magnificent Lake, Phoskundo. This lake is famous for its magnificent turquoise color and spectacular scenery. Walking around this pristine fresh water lake is relaxing and enjoyable. At day time we will take a short hike to the Ringmo village and also head to Tshowa. We will also visit the 900 years old gompa nestling at the top ridge above Phoskundo lake. This sacred place is the best place to let your sprit go free. At evening, we will head back to the camp.

  • Accommodation:Tented Camp
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Fruits

Today is the final day of our trekking journey. After spending the night in the small town of Shyanta we will start our morning walk from this town. Leaving the Shyanta, our journey lead us to the comfortable trail towards Jhupal. On the trail, we can also find Jeeps running to and fro. However, we will trek to Jhupal, observing and exploring the nature along the way. After 6 hours of trek we will eventually reach Jhupal. We will stay at Jhupal for the night.

  • Accommodation:Tented Camp
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Fruits

The hike today is the downhill walk to Shyanta. After having breakfast, we begin our hike towards Shyanta. At first, we slide downward to for about 3 hours until we arrive at the village of Chekpa. We then hike on a rocky trail passing through barren hills and tiny Bon Po settlements for an hour. Before we arrive at Shyanta, we begin to see the sign of tropical forest coming into our sight. Once we reach the picturesque place of Shyanta, we set up the camp for the overnight stay. 

  • Accommodation:Apsara Boutique Hotel
  • Meals:Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Fruits

Today we will have the one last view of the wonderful region. After a early breakfast, we will board on a earliest flight to Nepalgunj from Jumla. Once we land at Nepalgunj, we will board another flight to Kathmandu. From the Tribhuvan International airport, we will guide you up to your hotel. You will have a free time to explore the Kathmandu city or relax before a farewell party.

  • Meals:Breakfast

Transfer to international airport for your final connecting flight home:
On the las day of our trip, representative of Mystic Daventure Holidays will drive you to the airport according to you flight schedule back to home or onward destination.
Meeting you has been such a wonderful experience, and we do hope our relationship will keep going long.
We hope that you enjoyed the Lower Dolpo Trek and hope to see you for another adventure soon.

Cost Details

Includes
  • Airport pick up drop
  • Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast as per the itinerary
  • City sightseeing by private vehicle with including all entrance fee and tour guide
  • Meals during the treks (daily three meals and three tea/coffees )
  • Best available teahouse/lodge accommodations during the trek on twin sharing basis
  • Seasonal fruits during the treks
  • Welcome and Farewell dinner
  • Highly experienced English-speaking friendly, helpful guide and porters (one porter for two trekkers), including all their salary, food, accommodation, transportation, equipment, and accidental insurance.
  • Flight ticket kathmandu to Nepaljung
  • Down jacket, Sleeping bag, duffel bag, trekking map (Note: Down jacket and sleeping bag need to be returned after the completion of the trip and you can take duffel bag as a souvenir)
  • Camping equipment 
  • poter for one pax one person
  • Mystic Adventure Holidays' T-shirt
  • Trip achievement certificate
  • First aid medical kit (carried by your leader)
  • Dolpo Trekking entry permit
  • All government taxes and service charges
Excludes
  • Nepal Visa Fee
  • International Flights Ticket
  • Excess baggage charge(s)
  • Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu due to early arrival, late departure, early return from mountain (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary
  • Lunch and Dinner in Kathmandu
  • Travel and rescue insurance ( Mandatory)
  • Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, shower, etc.)
  • Tips for guide(s), porter(s) and driver(s)
  • Compulsory to Tips For Guide and supporting staff (Min. 10% of Paying amount)
  • All the expenses i.e. not mentioned in includes section

Departure Dates

We organize private treks too. If you wish to tailor-made the Upper Mustang Trek itinerary, then contact us anytime. You can custom create the itinerary as per your time availability and requirements. 

 

Additional Info

Dolpo Region is Restrictions Area which is place need to special Permit with Goverment and minimum 2 pax
 

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